No more hilarious opening

These two have seen a lot of each other recently, having been drawn in the same group in Euro 2004, and in the same qualifying group for Germany. While the French were too strong in Portugal two years ago, the more recent encounter have ended more favourable for the Swiss – both 2-2 draws. It’s the group opener for both teams, and France will be desperately hoping to avoid an embarrassment like what happen in Japan and Korea four years ago.

With Zinedine Zidane, Lilian Thuram and Claude Makelele out of retirement, the Bleus battle is already won in midfield. But not being able to beat their Alpine neighbour twice in row, France will not be underestimating Switzerland. Both should share the spoils as we don’t expect France to fall at the first hurdle this time around – hilarious as that would be.